Marijuana could reduce risk of suffering stroke, study finds

Pot smokers could have a greatly reduced risk of stroke, a new study finds.

In findings published by the medical journal “Neuropsychopharmacology,” researchers from the University of Texas at Dallas found that cannabis use enhances the flow of blood and oxygen, effectively reducing the possibility of stroke and blood clots.

“Past marijuana research has shown changes in cognitive functions such as memory and executive functioning. Our study seeks to understand the possible neurophysiological mechanisms that may drive these cognitive changes,” Filbey wrote in a statement.

The research team examined a total of 175 participants consisting of 74 drug users and 101 non-users over the period of 60 days. They found that cannabis users showed greater global oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2) compared to non-users. Users also exhibited more cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the putamen — a section of the brain linked to learning — than participants who have never used marijuana.

The new findings add to a 2013 study that found compounds from marijuana can protect the brain from stroke.

“Currently, cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug [in the U.S.]. As it becomes more widely legalized, understanding neurophysiological alterations and its effects on the brain’s health and performance are becoming increasingly relevant.” Dr. Filbey said.

Smell The Truth is one of the internet’s most popular destinations for cannabis-related news and culture. This blog is not written or edited by SFGate or the San Francisco Chronicle. The authors are solely responsible for the content.

Smell The Truth

Smell The Truth is one of the internet's most popular destinations for cannabis-related news and culture. This blog is not written or edited by SFGate or the San Francisco Chronicle. The authors are solely responsible for the content.